In total, the senior center will cost $8 million to build. The city is expected to put in $4 million, which was approved more than a year ago. The Friends of the Senior Center have also pledged to raise $2 million.

The city has also received permission to borrow a total of $5 million over a 20-year period from funds it receives annually through the federal Community Block Grant program. About $2 million is set aside for the construction of the building and the remaining $3 has been used to help demolish the Facemate buildings and help clean the property.

A longtime advocate of the project, Councilor Jean J. Croteau Jr. urged his fellow councilors to support the final funding needed for the project to proceed. The city has already hired Fontaine Brothers Construction, of Springfield, to build the center and scheduled a groundbreaking for April 8.

He explained half of the $4 million additional money is being used to pay the portion of the money that the Friends is working to raise. The $2 million is needed up front before construction begins and will be paid back as the group raises the money.

The second half, another $2 million, is needed for cost overruns for cleaning up the hazardous waste on the former factory site, said Carl Dietz, community development director.

“We ran into some costs related to the ground. The latest problem is finding PCBs in the ground,” he said.

A total of $10 million in federal brownfields funds and state development grants have already been spent to remove asbestos and tear down the former factory buildings. Dietz explained the removal of the toxic materials called polychlorinated biphenyls will be the last step to cleaning up the site.

Croteau urged councilors to approve the money Thursday, concerned they might instead delay construction by moving to subcommittee for more discussion.

But members said they were completely supportive of the project.

“I think we are definitely committed and I'm excited,” Councilor John Vieau said. “I'm glad to see this one proceeding.”

Councilor Robert J. Zygarowski agreed saying he did not want to delay construction.